One of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world is also being marked by celebrants across the United States.
Thousands are expected to attend a five-day Festival of Lights in Irving, Tx which concludes this weekend, reports WFAA.
“In Hindu scriptures, it’s our New Year. It’s about light, it’s about color, and it’s about having fun,” said lead event coordinator Akshay Wani.
In Chino Hills in Southern California, a light show illuminated the BAPS Hindu temple both Friday and Saturday night.
After not being able to celebrate in person last year, spirits are especially high for this year’s in-person gathering.
“Coming back again this year has been an amazing experience and reuniting again with a lot of friends that we haven’t seen in a while,” Minal Mistry of Chino Hills said to KABC.
“This is the most important festival for us,” said Pavan Jain of McKean Township in Wisconsin to Go Erie.
His entire family said a prayer of wealth and prosperity to Hindu goddess Laxmi.
They had a small altar in their home while they offered coconut, flowers, and fruits while praying for the welfare of his family.
Celebrants prepare by cleaning their homes and filling it with decorations.
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